Research methods Flashcards
Positivism
Aims to explain social behaviour using scientific methods that produce quantitative data such as surveys, questionnaires, structured interviews and lab experiments.
Interpretivism
Aims to explain social behaviour by going beyond empirical and supposedly objective evidence and instead focusing on achieving Verstehen and obtaining qualitative data through observations, unstructured interviews and field experiments.
What is random sampling?
When a researcher randomly selects participants for research from a list, out of a hat or randomly-generated choice by computer. Each member of the target population has an equal chance of being in the sample
What is opportunity/volunteer sampling?
When the researcher selects anyone who is available and willing to take part in the study.
What is systematic sampling?
When the researcher uses a predetermined system to select the participants from a target group to create an unbiased sample, e.g. choosing an nth name from a list.
What is snowball sampling?
When participants recommend personal contacts, similarly to a chain letter.
What is stratified sampling?
When the researcher divides or ‘stratifies’ the target group into sections, each representing a key group/characteristic that should be present in the final sample and then randomly selecting participants from that group.
What is quota sampling?
When the researcher divides the target group into sections, each representing a key group/characteristic that should be present in the final sample and then choosing candidates based off this.
